Balancing Books & Bedtime: Celebrating National-Student Parent Month

September is National Student-Parent Month, a time to recognize the determination and resilience of those balancing academics, careers, and family responsibilities all at once.

Many students at Wake Forest School of Professional Studies (SPS) walk this balancing act every day. These parents are the embodiment of commitment—pursuing their degrees while raising children, supporting households, and modeling the power of lifelong learning.

To celebrate and support this special group of students, we want to highlight two Wake Forest SPS student parents and share helpful resources designed to support others navigating this unique journey.

Meet Corey Holland

Master of Healthcare Administration Student & Father to Olivia Jo, 3

Corey Holland always wanted to pursue a postgraduate degree, but as a single father, life and timing seemed to always get in the way. This year, he pushed through, prioritized his own growth, and enrolled in the Master of Healthcare Administration.

Who or what has been your biggest source of support?
I rely on my Christian faith and sheer amounts of determination (some might call this stubbornness, but that remains to be seen).

How does your daughter inspire you on your journey?
Every time she laughs, I get energized. Each smile she gives me is a reason to keep going!

What does a typical day look like for you as a graduate student and a parent?
On the days I have Olivia Jo and deliverables, I try to make sure I tend to them after she’s in bed. Sometimes I find free time during the day and show her what I’m reading or working on. She’ll sit at my other computer and pretend like she’s working or studying with daddy.

What advice would you give other parents who are considering graduate school?
Discover what your resources are. Once you figure out all the tools at your disposal, you’re far better equipped to get started and dive in.

Meet Veronica Glasson

Master of AI Strategy and Innovation Student & Mom to Adeline, 1

Looking to her future, Veronica Glasson wanted to progress her career, ensure financial stability, and live out her belief that all great work starts at home. She’s passionate about empowering and protecting children as AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, and she realized that the Master of AI Strategy and Innovation from Wake Forest SPS was an opportunity to do that—while still present at home.

Who or what has been your biggest source of support?
My faith in God, the Universe, and the Source that brings me opportunities and blessings; my daughter has empowered me to keep reaching, as humbly as I can; and my wonderful partner, Tom, who has stepped in and shown us what true support feels like.

How does your daughter inspire you on your journey?
My daughter is my joy, my patience, and my presence. She has gifted me with a great deal of presence, and as my creativity enters back into my life, grad school felt like the best option for growth.

How do you manage competing demands (work, family, and school)?
At the end of the day, Adeline comes first. To do this, I must sometimes accept defeat. Sometimes the dishes pile up in the sink, the laundry overflows, and time management is not as disciplined as I would prefer, but I’ve learned to accept and to pivot. I ensure that I spend my free time learning and working to the best of my ability and capacity. Nap times and my lunch breaks at work are for listening to AI case studies, researching, or whatever I can get my hands on within 1-2 hours.

What advice would you give other parents who are considering graduate school?
Don’t let imposter syndrome sneak you out of a decision that could benefit your life. If you have a day where time management was not anywhere near expectations, let go. It’s okay. Our children are usually the reason why we are even taking this leap, so never lose focus on what matters most.

Wake Forest SPS Parent Support Group

Started by Wake Forest SPS alum Shelli Tordé, the Wake Forest SPS Parent Support Group meets on a bimonthly basis via Zoom. 

This space fosters connection, empowerment, and resource-sharing among individuals navigating the joys and challenges of caring for children while pursuing educational and professional goals.

The next meeting will be Thursday, September 25, at 7 p.m. EST. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Shelli Tordé at tordeshelli@alumni.wfu.edu or SPS Student Services at stuserv@wfu.edu.

Note: These sessions are alumni/student-led discussion sessions and open to all SPS alumni/students.